Rwanda: Cimerwa has unveiled its new corporate identity and product packaging. The new identity uses bold blue 32.5 bags and bright red 42.5 bags.

"We have moved from the previous green to a bold blue reflecting the refreshing nature of the business as we go through a rebirth and repositioning of Cimerwa. The previous logo was a closed diamond; the new logo is open, symbolising the bright future of the company and the journey we will be making together towards the top," said Legodi Busisiwe, Cimerwa CEO.

Cimerwa is finalising work on its new state-of-the-art production facility in Bugarama, Rusizi. The plant, which will boost Cimerwa's manufacturing capacity by six times, will commence production early in the second half of 2015. When fully operational, the plant's production capacity will increase from the current 100,000t/yr to 600,000t/yr.

Legodi said that construction of the plant in Bugarama is now complete and is undergoing structured tests in line with global best practice in the cement manufacturing sector. "The testing phase, which is the most important in preparing the plant for production, will take at least two months. Our aim is to certify that the new plant operates efficiently and effectively when it is running fully and produce a quality cement to meet Rwanda's growing demand," said Busisiwe.

According to Francois Kanimba, the minister for trade and industry, Rwanda's industrial and construction sectors are expected to register strong performances by the end of 2015. "Construction and real estate are key sectors and potential major drivers of future economic growth in Rwanda, mainly due to the high demand for residential and commercial buildings," said Kanimba. "Statistics from the Rwanda Development Board puts total housing needs in Kigali alone at 458,265 dwelling units. The government is keen to develop home-grown industries that will offer locally-made, world class products and, in the process, reduce the large bill we spend on imports."